Crystallization induced by fungi and bacteria.

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Lithobiont microbial communities (fungi, bacteria, lichens) are known to induce biomineralization.
• Microbial biomineralization, particularly oxalate and carbonate formation, is of significant scientific interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanisms and factors influencing microbial biomineralization.
• To elucidate the role of microbial metabolism and biofilm chemistry in oxalate and carbonate crystallization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multilevel modeling approach for interdisciplinary problem-solving.
• Analyzed the effect of biofilm chemical composition (acidity, cation oxidation state) on oxalate formation.
• Examined microbial metabolism under various trophic conditions and its impact on crystallization.

Main Results:

• Biofilm composition, medium acidity, and cation oxidation degree significantly affect oxalate formation.
• Specific interactions between biofilm components and growing oxalate crystals were identified.
• Fungal and bacterial metabolism influences carbonate and oxalate crystallization, with observed transitions between pathways.

Conclusions:

• The study provides insights into the mechanisms of microbial biomineralization.
• Identified patterns can inform the role of microbes in the oxalate-carbonate pathway.
• Findings have potential applications in biotechnology and understanding geological processes.